Counseling Center
801-567-8560
Should I apply to colleges if my test scores or grades are below their ranges?
-
Yes. The admission scores and grades that colleges show on their websites are averages not cutoffs. There are students at every college who scored lower (and higher) than the numbers shown.
-
Remember that colleges consider many factors. They look at the types of classes you take, your activities, your essay and your overall character. Colleges are looking for students with different talents, abilities and backgrounds. Admission test scores and grades are just two parts of that complete picture.
How are ACT/SAT scores used for college admissions?
-
Your scores show your strengths and readiness for college work. The ACT/SAT evaluate the reading, writing and math skills you’ll need in college. Colleges may use scores to place students in remedial courses that help you reach a college level of math or reading. Remedial credits do not count towards your degree.
-
Most scholarship money — money you do not have to pay back — comes from colleges. A Merit scholarship is based on your cumulative grade point average (GPA) and ACT/SAT score. Other scholarships may also require your test scores as part of their scholarship applications. Test scores are used for Merit and other scholarships.
Should I apply early?
-
Yes. It’s important to note that applying early can significantly increase your chances of acceptance.
What should I write about for my college essay/personal statement?
-
Write about something that's meaningful to you. The topic should reveal significant information about your personality, your “story,” or your passions. The best way to make your application stand out is to help Admissions get to know you. Write in your authentic voice, be truthful, and talk about what genuinely matters to you.​
Should I tell the college about any extenuating circumstances that impacted my grades?
-
Absolutely. Most colleges have a place on the application specifically meant for this scenario. Tread carefully, however. You don’t want to sound like you’re complaining or making excuses. Simply state the facts about what happened. Talk about what you learned from the experience or the steps you took to overcome it. The focus should be on your growth and triumphs since then.
Should I sent a Transcript to every school that I apply to?
-
You must send an official transcript to every school you apply to for your application to be considered.
-
Use the Herriman High Parchment Portal to order an official transcript for every school you have applied to.
How do colleges evaluate my application?
-
Most colleges use a holistic review process. This means they consider your test scores, GPA, grade trend (if your grades have improved through your high school years), strength of schedule, extracurricular participation, essays, letters of recommendation, etc. The admissions team tries to determine which students will succeed on their campus and make significant contributions. They try to build a diverse class with varying abilities and interests.
Do SLCC Concurrent Enrollment students need to apply again to attend SLCC at freshmen?
-
If you are going to apply to SLCC for college and you have been taking Concurrent Enrollment classes in high school, you still need to complete an application for admissions.
-
​First, you complete the Admissions Update process. You will not have to pay the application fee since you paid it with your Concurrent Enrollment application.